2022 USTFCCCA Cross Country Academic Awards
For 10 years running, the Hillsdale College men's and women's cross country teams have set a standard of excellence both on the course and in the classroom.
The 2022 editions continued that tradition this year, with both teams and seven athletes earning NCAA DII All-Academic honors from the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association on Thursday, as announced by the USTFCCCA. It's the 10th consecutive season that both the Hillsdale men and women have received the distinction from the USTFCCCA, a full decade of academic achievement paired with strong athletic results for the Chargers.
In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, student athletes must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and finish in the top-30 percent of their respective regional championship meet, among other qualifiers. Overall, there were 417 women from 124 different institutions who were named All-Academic Athletes for their efforts during the 2023 season, as well as 328 men from 110 different institutions.
To recieve All-Academic distinction as a team, programs must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, including the most recent grading period and compile a team score at their respective regional championship meet, among other qualifiers, with 146 women's teams and 122 men's teams meeting the standard.
With a GPA of 3.71 overall, the Hillsdale College women's cross country team finished 2022 in the top 25 nationally in terms of cumulative GPA. Four Hillsdale athletes earned All-Academic honors individually, led by All-American sophomore Liz Wamsley and NCAA DII national meet qualifier Margaret Scheske. Junior Gwynne Riley and sophomore Kayla Loescher also earned the All-Academic distinction for the Chargers. For Wamsley, Scheske and Riley, this is the second straight year they've received the distinction from the USTFCCCA.
On the men's side, the Chargers made the cut with a 3.33 GPA, improving on last year's mark and easily surpassing the total required for the honor.
Three individuals earned recognition individually for the Hillsdale men -- all sophomores -- as Alex Mitchell, Richie Johnston and Micah Vanderkooi all earned All-Academic honors. It's the first time all three have earned All-Academic honors in cross country for the USTFCCCA.